Outings Coordinator
William Fjellbo -- (559) 642-4511 -- jbfjellbo@sti.net
Please contact the trip leader directly if you are interested in one of our listed trips.
The Sierra Club's "Seller of Travel" identification number is CST2087766-40. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.
Notes on Outings
Outings have a long history in the Sierra Club as a means for people to enjoy and get to know our natural environment. Through leader's efforts, we take people into the outdoors in a manner that promotes their safety and well-being, and encourages the respectful use of the environment as a recreational resource. By taking part in outings, trip participants become strong proponents for preservation of the outdoors. Over the years, outings have fueled the Club's conservation efforts and provided a training ground for its leadership. Your leaders are grassroots volunteers, an essential part of the Sierra Club, and help make the Club an important force for conservation in this country. Our outings policies are set by Chapter Executive Committee.
All Outings are generally open to Club members, guests and anyone interested in outings. Unless otherwise specified, the events are free and open to the public. ALL participants must sign liability waivers on ALL outings sponsored by Sierra Club. Please check with the leader before bringing small children on an outing. A parent or other responsible adult must accompany persons under 18. No guns, pets, or radios are permitted on trips. In some cases leaders may permit pets on outings if the event description specifically includes bringing pets.
All leaders are unpaid volunteers assuming responsibility for a good trip, and your cooperation is mandatory. Please call the leader well in advance for details, reservations, or if you plan to cancel. Outings start officially at the trailhead. Carpooling is encouraged but leaders can not be responsible for the organization of carpooling. The Sierra Club does not provide insurance for transportation. Travel responsibility rests on each participant. Riders should expect to pay at least ten cents a mile and share entry fees if the driver has no pass.
Leaders determine qualifications to participate, adequacy of equipment, routes to be followed, and special precautions to be taken. Please arrive adequately prepared and equipped. If you have any allergies, please remember to bring your medication. The leader has the final word in the conduct of the trip. Your cooperation will help assure a safe and pleasant outing.
Please arrive early at the meeting place so that the outing can start on time. For day hikes, lunch, water (at least a liter), extra clothing, rain gear, and emergency equipment should be carried in a small daypack. For all except easy hikes, sturdy over-the-ankle shoes or boots should be worn. For most trips, you are expected to have your own equipment. In some cases, it may be rented from outdoor/camping suppliers. Check the yellow pages or call the trip leader. If the weather is questionable on the date of the outing, you may assume that it will take place, unless the schedule indicates otherwise.
Registration is required for all trips. It necessary to contact the leader before the trip. Do not call to join a trip after the posted deadline date. When phoning a leader, please honor his or her requested calling times and call 3 to 5 days before the outing. Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) when writing to a leader. On popular trips, Sierra Club members will be given preference.
Fees for many of our outings are increasing. Trip leaders have had to absorb permit and/or campsite costs for no-shows. Chapter funds are not available to repay these costs. Confirmation for participants will require a NO-REFUND deposit to the trip leader. The option is to chance an extra space situation. Please make plans well in advance.
ALCOHOL is NOT permitted on day hikes (Tehipite Chapter policy passed at May, 1997 Executive Committee meeting). Remember that the effects of alcohol are increased by altitude and can increase the chances of getting hypothermia. The use of alcohol is at the discretion of the leader on other trips.
Safety Advisory: Due to the number of recent incidents, hikers are reminded to avoid deviating from the planned route(s) or designated lunch stop. If the pace is too taxing or you are unable to proceed as planned, let the trip leader know ASAP. Do not leave alone unless okay with leader. These practices cause undue concern and search efforts by the leader and/or group. Participation by the parties is an acknowledgment of the hazards and risks of the outing and one's need to exercise care. Moreover, an increase in the use Alcohol has been noted on our day hikes. Chapter policy is no alcohol on day hikes (see policy above). The after lunch return trip requires high energy levels. The consumption of alcohol diminishes energy levels, adding to the natural hazards usually present. Because of the effects on stability, stamina, or the opinion of others, leaders may request no alcohol be taken on trips.
Day hikers are reminded to avoid deviating from the planned route(s) or designated lunch stop. If the pace is too taxing or you are unable to proceed as planned, please let the trip leader know ASAP. Do not leave alone unless okay with the leader. These practices cause undue concern and search efforts by the leader and/or group. Participation by the parties is an acknowledgement of the hazards and risks of the outing and one's need to exercise care.
Snow Trail Etiquette: Now that there are as many snow-shoers as cross-country skiers, we need to revisit the snow trail issue. If at all possible snowshoe trips should forge a separate trail from the skiers, and post-holers should absolutely stay out of the ski trails. In any case, please give skiers courtesy, and plenty of room to maneuver.
Links to other Hiking Groups in the Valley
Central Valley Hiking Group: http://www.meetup.com/hiking-411/
Sierra Foothill Conservancy: https://sierrafoothill.org/events-listing/
Fresno Audubon Society: http://fresnoaudubon.org/